qathet Pulse: September 2026

Feature

Annual qDoFP Member Survey

Graphic that says, we want your feedback

We Need Your Voice — Help Us Help You!

We're still looking for responses to the qDoFP Annual Member Survey. We'd greatly appreciate your feedback - please complete today!

The deadline has been extended to September 8.

Need a paper copy instead? Send us an email.

🔗Complete the Division Annual Member Survey >>

Fall Social and AGM

Please join us for a fun social at Coastal Cookery. A short AGM will open the evening, with plenty of time afterwards to socialize and connect with colleagues.

🔗 Learn more and register for the event >>

Last Call: Working Well Together Conference

We need more registrations soon to make this event possible!

If you're planning to attend, please register now. You don't have to attend the whole day—come for the sessions that work for you.

🔗 Learn more and register for the conference >>

Help Dr. Uhlmann Recruit!

Social media is powerful... use your social networks to help Dr. Uhlmann recruit to Internal Medicine. Like and share VCH's new recruitment video on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

A recent study in the journal of the College of Family Physicians of Canada found that access to specialist support is a top factor in retaining rural family physicians.

Thank you to VCH and Dr. Uhlmann for this great new recruitment tool.

Member and Family Hike to Tony's Point!

Thank you to everyone who came out and joined us on this hot hike from Mowat Bay to beautiful Tony's Point.

Left photo: Dr. Kan and partner

Right photo: a group photo hiking uphill

A man and a woman standing together on the rocks at Tony Point, Powell River, with the lake and forested mountains in the background. They are wearing hiking gear and embracing in a side hug. Three hikers with backpacks walking along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and green ferns.

Head on over to our member events page and register for our fall social in September!

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Program Updates

Reducing Avoidable ED Transfers to LTC

Willingdon Creek Village (WCV) is participating in the C.A.R.E. Collaborative, a VCH/PHC-supported initiative to reduce avoidable Emergency Department transfers.

WCV has introduced several strategies, including improved nurse-to-physician communication using SBAR, a resident mobility program, on-site blood collection, and regular palliative care reviews to ensure Levels of Intervention remain aligned with residents’ goals of care.

Together, these initiatives have already reduced unnecessary or avoidable ED transfers by nearly 95%.

The CARE Collaborative will host a webinar on September 8 titled "Is the ED the right place for care?"

🔗 Register for the webinar >>

Dr. Bahadori is part of the WCV team and is available for questions.

LTC Accreditation 2026

WCV and ECU are preparing for accreditation later this year. The process provides an opportunity to review and strengthen care practices. Any areas requiring physician input will be shared through Dr. Bahadori.

Local Doctor Selected for Canadian Doctors' Orchestra

Congratulations to Dr. Barrie MacDonald, who has been invited to play with the new Canadian Doctors’ Orchestra. The orchestra’s inaugural concert will take place in Victoria in late December.

🔗 Learn more about the orchestra and how to support the event >>

POCUS Case Rounds: Supporting Everyday Clinical Decision-Making

Case #9: Determining the Cause of Dyspnea

A patient presented with shortness of breath. Office POCUS revealed a large pleural effusion, enabling rapid diagnosis and management.

🔗 Sign up for monthly POCUS rounds or review past rounds >>

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Featured Resources

Health and Safety Assessments

SWITCH BC is coming to qathet September 15-17, and has space for one more clinic visit. 

These confidential on-site assessments help clinics strengthen occupational health and safety practices and meet regulatory requirements.

🔗 Book an appointment >>

A lead physician will need to be available for 15-20 minutes of the 90-minute assessment to hear the summary of findings.

SWITCH BC will also present De-Escalation Techniques at the 3rd MOA Appreciation Dinner on September 16 at 5:30 at the qathet Art Centre. Please encourage your MOAs to register! 

Grants for Team-Based Care - Beyond PCN

FPSC has expanded the Team-Based Care and Minor Tenant Improvement grants to include non-PCN (private) allied health team members.

🔗 Learn more or apply for a grant >>

Call for Interest: Inpatient Detox Medicine

Are you interested in supporting local inpatient detoxification and withdrawal management? We are seeking family physicians interested in participating in our local inpatient detox medicine rota. Support is available to assist with funding applications to pursue education and training in addiction medicine.

To learn more about the opportunity and expected time commitment, please contact Dr. Diana Gil.

Several family physicians have expressed a desire to move away from providing primary care coverage for LTC. Do you think a new model for LTC coverage is needed?

🔗 Complete this quick survey >>

Palliative Resource Nurse for Home Health, Leigh McWhirter, wants to hear how palliative care is working for you and where there could be improvements.

🔗 Complete the 5-10 minute survey >>

 

Fall Member Social and AGM

Fall Member Social and AGM

Social

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – 5:00 PM

Coastal Cookery

Working Well Together Conference

Working Well Together Conference

CME

Friday, October 2, 2026 – 11:45 AM – 7:00 PM

Elements Movement 5813 Ash Ave.

Youth Mental Health Case Discussion

Youth Mental Health Case Discussion

CME

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

qathet Division of Family Practice Hub

Case Reviews

Case Reviews

CME

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

qathet General Hospital, Administration Wing Board Room

Community of Practice: Screen Use in Youth

Community of Practice: Screen Use in Youth

CME

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

qathet Division of Family Practice Hub

Ongoing Programs and Support